Life’s Challenges Haven’t Stopped Nyajuok Tongyik-Doluony from Success as Mother, Nurse, and Author |

Nyajuok Tongyik-Doluony’s ’09 story has seen her fight for a better life for herself, her family, and others around her.

Nyajuok is being honored with the Midland University Outstanding Young Alumni Award during a ceremony Oct. 20th at the Wikert Event Center as part of Homecoming weekend.

Born in a small village in South Sudan, she was born and raised in a refugee camp in Ethiopia. Her family immigrated to Omaha, Nebraska in 1999, but her life would continue to be full of challenges. “My family and I arrived in America with little more than a dream, holding tightly to the idea that somehow, through hard work and sacrifice, we could build a better future,” she said. 

At 14, Nyajuok was entered by her family into an arranged marriage, which resulted in her being the single mother of her daughter for 11 years. But through raising a daughter at a young age, she never lost sight of the value of an education, which eventually led her to Midland University in the pursuit of a nursing degree.

“Midland provided me with the resources I needed,” she said. “It wasn’t just the academic lessons that shaped me, it was the quiet moments of grace, and the people who stepped in when I felt like I was falling and failing. There was a community of teachers, mentors, and friends who made me realize that even when the path seems impossible, someone is always willing to help carry the load. Midland is the place where my dreams began to take shape.”

After graduation, she was commissioned in the Army Nurse Corps, eventually rising to the level of captain. After retiring from the Army three years ago, she launched RSS Girls Break the Silence, LLC., a non-profit organization that provides mentorship to women worldwide, connects individuals with mental health counselors in their communities, delivers community education using social media, and encourages others to speak up about their traumas to promote healing.

In 2021, she published her first book “I Am My Mother's Wildest Dream: How an African Teen Broke Her Silence and Fought Cultural Norms to Live the "American Dream."

“When I wrote the book, I envisioned giving young women and men a voice,” she said. “I wanted to give them permission to tell their stories and change the course of the cultural norms that have been normalized for far too long. Countless individuals have come out to talk about their challenges and triumphs since my book came out. The impact it has on others is a testament to the power of shared experiences and the strength of our community. It has sparked a movement of empowerment and resilience, inspiring others to share their stories and find strength in their struggles.”

Nyajuok remarried in 2014 and has since added two boys to her family. She’s worked hard to maintain the balance it takes to be successful in a professional setting, but also at home. “Balancing a professional and personal life is challenging, but one that I’ve embraced,” she said. “Adaptability has been a cornerstone of my journey. I commit to leaving work on time and prioritize my children over community functions. I’ve also understood the importance of taking care of myself, whether it’s my mental or physical health, I make time for self-care. Caring for myself is crucial to my ability to care for others.”

She is grateful to be receiving the Young Alumni Award and believes it serves as an example of now persevering through the toughest times will be rewarded in the end. “This award is a recognition and symbol of the power of hope, grace, and resilience,” she said. “But more importantly, it recognizes the journey of countless others like me who have come from places unseen, with stories untold. It’s a testament to the personal growth I’ve experienced through these challenges, and I hope it will inspire others facing similar journeys.”